Research Associate in Cellular Microbiology

University of York; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of York invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate on a fully funded project led by Dr Paul Pryor and Prof Nathalie Signoret, to study Rhodococcus equi and VapA. The position is full-time (37 hours per week) on a 3-year fixed-term contract from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2029.

You will conduct experiments, analyse data, prepare publications, and contribute to grant applications. Collaboration across departments and limited teaching duties are expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or closely related biomedical field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience in molecular biology, protein analysis, or cellular microbiology techniques.
• Strong track record of peer‑reviewed publications and research presentations.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.

Responsibilities

• Research & Data Analysis: Conducting individual and collaborative research, utilizing advanced experimental techniques, and interpreting complex data sets.
• Dissemination: Writing up research results for high-impact publications, presenting at seminars and international conferences, and participating in public engagement activities.
• Funding & Proposals: Assisting in the identification of new research directions and contributing to external funding applications and proposals.
• Collaboration & Networking: Building internal and external networks, collaborating with cross-departmental colleagues, and representing the project at key meetings.
• Leadership & Teaching: Coordinating the daily activities of small research teams, guiding students and junior staff, and assisting with undergraduate teaching in your area of expertise.
• Administration: Handling project-related administrative duties, including event organization and updating project web materials.

Skills

Molecular biology

Protein analysis

Cellular microbiology

Scientific writing

Collaborative skills

Education

PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field

Job description

We are seeking a talented Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an exciting, fully-funded project by the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB). This collaborative project is led by Dr Paul Pryor and Prof. Nathalie Signoret (Hull York Medical School), alongside Prof. Martin Fascione (Department of Chemistry). The research aims to investigate the destructive horse pathogen Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) and its ability to cause severe disease. R. equi infects grazing animals, posing a critical threat to equine health and presenting a massive economic burden to the horse-breeding industry. The project focuses on the vital protein VapA, which is essential for the pathogen's survival inside host cells. Using our newly developed, extensive experimental system, you will help identify the biological functions and eukaryotic targets of VapA. This crucial work will lay the foundation for developing innovative therapeutic tools to treat R. equi infections in an era of rising antibiotic resistance. This is a full-time role (37 hours per week) available on a 3-year fixed-term basis from 1 January 2027 until 31 December 2029. Interviews: To be confirmed, As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, your main duties will include:

• Research & Data Analysis: Conducting individual and collaborative research, utilizing advanced experimental techniques, and interpreting complex data sets.
• Dissemination: Writing up research results for high-impact publications, presenting at seminars and international conferences, and participating in public engagement activities.
• Funding & Proposals: Assisting in the identification of new research directions and contributing to external funding applications and proposals.
• Collaboration & Networking: Building internal and external networks, collaborating with cross-departmental colleagues, and representing the project at key meetings.
• Leadership & Teaching: Coordinating the daily activities of small research teams, guiding students and junior staff, and assisting with undergraduate teaching in your area of expertise.
• Administration: Handling project-related administrative duties, including event organization and updating project web materials.
  A PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a closely related biomedical field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience in molecular biology, protein analysis, or cellular microbiology techniques.
• A strong track record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications and research presentations.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.
  The University strives to be diverse and inclusive - a place where we can ALL be ourselves.
• We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.
• We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.